ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
On the occasion of International Day of Yoga, PM leads Mass Yoga Demonstration at Ranchi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today participated in a Mass Yoga Demonstration at Ranchi today, on the occasion of International Day of Yoga.
"Let our motto be Yoga for peace, harmony and progress", exhorted the Prime Minister as he commenced his address, shortly before the Yoga session.
Greeting everyone on the occasion, he complimented media personnel, and those associated with social media, for the key role they have played in spreading the message of Yoga.
The Prime Minister said that he now wants to take the message of modern Yoga, from the cities to the villages, and to the homes of the poor and tribal communities. He emphasized that Yoga must become part of the lives of the poor and the tribals, because they suffer the most on account of illness.
The Prime Minister said that today, with changing times, our focus should be on wellness too, besides preventing illness. He said Yoga can give us this strength. He said this is the spirit of Yoga, and of ancient Indian philosophy.
The Prime Minister said Yoga is not accomplished merely by the activities that we perform for a while on the ground or the mat. He said Yoga implies discipline and dedication, and this must be practiced throughout our lives.
The Prime Minister said Yoga transcends the barriers of age, colour, caste, community, thought, sect, rich or poor, State, and border. He said Yoga belongs to everyone.
The Prime Minister said that today, from drawing rooms to board rooms, parks to sports complexes, and streets to wellness centres, Yoga has caught the imagination of people.
Shri Narendra Modi said that Yoga is both ancient and modern. It is constant and evolving, he added.
For centuries, the essence of Yoga has remained the same: healthy body, stable mind, spirit of oneness, the Prime Minister said. Yoga provides a perfect blend of knowledge, work and devotion, he said.
The Prime Minister said that as the world adopts Yoga, we should lay stress on research related to the subject. He said Yoga should connect with disciplines such as medicine, physiotherapy, and artificial intelligence.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Increase in Traffic on National Waterways
Cargo Movement on National Waterways has recorded an overall percentage increase of 16%  during 2022-23 over the year 2021-22.
The traffic between Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Haldia  increased from 10.93 million ton in 2021-22 to 13.17 million ton in 2022-23 recording an increase of20.52%.
Inland Waterways Authority of India  is implementing Jal Marg Vikas
Project  for capacity augmentation of National Waterway-1  between Haldia – Varanasi  at an estimated cost of Rs. 4633.81 Cr. The objective of JMVP is to enhance transport efficiency and reliability of NW-1.
The project comprises of several components viz. development of multimodal
terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj and Haldia; intermodal terminal at Kalughat;
fairway development, navigational facilities ; Community jetties, new navigational lock at Farakka, Modernization of existing navigational lock at Farakka; Quick Pontoon Opening System etc.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Southern Command Conducts Educators’ Conclave 2023
The two-day long Educators’ Conclave organised by Southern Command concluded on 25 August 2023. The Chief Guest of the Command Principals’ Meet 2023- Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM GOC-in-C Southern Command, shared his vision on the role of educators as architects of future. He emphasised on utilizing the present Amrit Kaal of our nation to transform the education system by promoting technical prowess along with spiritual and cultural well-being of the youth. He stressed upon the pivotal role played by Indian Knowledge System and Cultural Ethos in preserving and promoting national growth and prosperity.
Lt Gen Manjit Kumar, Chief of Staff, HQ Southern Command was the guiding force behind the success of this collaborative summit of leaders from different walks of life. In accordance with NEP 2020 many breakthrough developments undertaken by Army Welfare Education Society  were introduced namely clubbing of Army Pre Primary Schools and Army Public Schools, establishment of Faculty Development & Research Centre  South to facilitate Training Programmes. The intellectual repositories put together during the course of two days, significantly supported the school leaders in crafting a compendium of action-oriented frameworks to promulgate holistic, inclusive and technology driven school education.
The transformative initiative aimed to mentor school leaders to enable them in fostering a culture of excellence in their respective schools through mutual-cooperation and innovation in education. Prof M.K. Sridhar, Founder-Chancellor Chanakya University, Member Drafting Committee , Member National Curriculum Framework Committee emphasised on the role of school heads in smooth transition of the education system by incorporating the provisions of NEP 2020 and National Curriculum Framework. Swami Shrikantananda ji, Head Ramakrishna Mathh, called for optimising the education system by relating it with Indian Knowledge System and Cultural Ethos. Through his inspiring words he highlighted that spirituality, inner growth and self-knowledge was the ultimate goal of education.
Mrs Deepti Sawhney, CEO Mahattattva, enlightened the gathering on adopting futuristic leadership approaches that are consistent with the digital age. She stressed on the impact of digital technology in making classrooms interactive and engaging. CBSE perspective on the implementation and execution aspects of the NEP 2020 was presented by Ms. Shweta Moon from the Centre of Excellence, CBSE.
The visionary agenda of the meet was to work cohesively and consistently to build a holistic, all-inclusive and vibrant education system which enables our students to thrive in the 21st century and beyond. The legacy of this fruitful collaboration will continue to inspire and guide school leaders in enhancing the educational landscape.
Ministry of Finance
Expert Committee on Longevity Finance recommends setting up of Longevity Hub at GIFT-IFSC
International Finance Services Centres Authority  constituted Expert Committee on Longevity Finance, co-chaired by Ms. Kaku Nakhate, Country Head , Bank of America and Mr. Gopalan Srinivasan, Ex-CMD, New India Assurance Co. Ltd. submitted its final report to Chairperson, IFSCA on 12th April 2022.
The committee examined emerging trends in Longevity Economy globally and observed that people over 60 years are still very much a highly productive demographic group in terms of purchasing power and make up the wealthiest part of financial system with a global spending power of $15 trillion.
Highlighting the critical role of financial services sector for the growth of Longevity industry, the Committee recommended the setting up of first Global Longevity Hub  in GIFT-IFSC and suggested that the hub should focus on developing the longevity economy by offering various longevity finance solutions in coordination with leading corporates and financial institutions such as Banks, Pension Funds, Asset Management Funds, Insurance Companies, etc.
Ms. Kaku Nakhate, Co-Chair of the Expert Committee stated, “Advances in healthcare and medical technology have increased the lifespan of humans. The long-term vision of building a strong longevity finance hub at IFSC can open-up opportunities in wealth management, insurance, pension, silver entrepreneurship and medial tourism. This will help GIFT IFSC emerge as a global leader in longevity finance, immediately addressing the requirements of baby boomers, Gen X & Gen Y cohorts, and setting the path for millennials. I would encourage global banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, and fintechs & health-techs to set up shops here to create a unique longevity hub for the world.”
“This is a great move and will have very positive impact on the role of silver generation,” observed Mr. Gopalan Srinivasan, Co-Chair of the Expert Committee. He further stated, “It has been a pioneering effort on the part of IFSCA to establish an expert committee on Longevity Finance and recognize the importance of developing longevity finance hub in IFSC. The Hub will focus on skill development, entrepreneurial development and also address the demand of financial and insurance products for silver generation.”
Chairperson, IFSCA, thanked the Expert Committee for their valuable recommendations and supported the idea of promoting Longevity Finance as one of the priorities in GIFT IFSC under the overall framework of Sustainable Finance.
The committee members comprised of leaders from the entire longevity finance ecosystem including from areas such as banking, insurance, wealth management, FinTech, legal, compliance and management consultancy.
The report of the committee can be accessed through the weblink:
https://ifsca.gov.in/Viewer/ReportandPublication/29
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Greetings on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. His life and message give strength to millions of people. I will always cherish the fact that our Government got the opportunity to mark his 350th Parkash Utsav. Sharing some glimpses from my visit to Patna at that time. https://t.co/1ANjFXI1UA"
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between UPSC and CSCM
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Memorandum of Understanding  between Union Public Service Commission  and Civil Service Council of Mongolia .
The MoU will strengthen the existing relationship between CSCM and UPSC. It will facilitate sharing of experience and expertise of both the parties in the area of recruitment.
Ministry of Defence
Air Commodore Vivek Singh Blouria takes over the Command of Air Force Station Kanheri Hills
Mumbai, 6 June 2022
Air Commodore Vivek Singh Blouria took over the command of Air Force Station Kanheri Hills today, on 6 June 2022. He assumed the responsibility in a military ceremony conducted at the Air Force Station. He succeeds Air Commodore R Sanjeev Kumar, Vayu Sena Medal.
Air Commodore Vivek Singh Blouria is an alumni of the National Defence College, New Delhi. The Officer has vast operational experience spanning across the Guided Weapons, Fighter Aircraft, Electronic Warfare, Air Armament and Modernisation of Airfield Infrastructure streams.
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Ministry of Finance
Shri Subhash Chandra Garg , Secretary ,Economic Affairs participates in the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Washington D.C
The first meeting of the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors was held in the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings on 19th April, 2018 in Washington D.C. Ministry of Finance, Government of India was represented in the meeting by Shri Subhash Chandra Garg , Secretary , Department of Economic Affairs .
The main issues that the meeting discussed were related to enhancing the project pipelines of New Development Bank  evenly across member countries, expansion of NDB’s membership, the proposal of the South African Presidency for setting up a working group on illicit financial flows and a BRICS Task Force on Public Private Partnership. Issues related to BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement  as well as BRICS Bond Fund were also discussed.
Shri Garg , Secretary  in his interventions emphasised that India has been a constructive participant to the discussions on NDB’s membership expansion. He expressed that a more careful and cautious approach on the value and addition/ benefits new member will bring to the Bank would be desirable rather than setting deadlines which are practically difficult to achieve. On the issue of expansion of NDB’s project pipeline across member nations evenly, Shri Garg was of the view that the objective has to be balanced with member country’s requirement for infrastructure financing. On the proposal for setting up the Working Group on Illicit Financial Flows and BRICS PPP Task Force, Secretary  expressed India’s appreciation on the proposal. However, he suggested that NDB already has a Project Preparation Fund hence a separate similar preparation fund for PPP will not be desirable. This Project Preparation Fund also will be able to serve projects preparation of PPP projects as well.
In view of the India’s experience to develop brownfield infrastructure projects as asset class, Shri Garg Secretary  suggested that the BRICS may consider this more readily available infrastructure asset class for getting finances from pension funds, sovereign wealth funds etc. as sources of financing. He also sought the support of the Presidency in building consensus amongst the BRICS membership on the BRICS Rating Agency proposal. He requested the Presidency to receive and take forward the Report to be submitted by Expert Group set up under the aegis of BRICS Business Council to study the feasibility of the BRICS Rating Agency.
Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Tourism under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme has sanctioned 76 projects for Rs. 5399.15 crores for development of tourism infrastructure in the country: Shri G. Kishan Reddy
“Out of the total 76 sanctioned projects, 50 projects are now physically complete”
The Ministry of Tourism under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme  has sanctioned 76 projects for Rs. 5399.15 crores for development of tourism infrastructure in the country. These sanctioned projects include Tribal and Rural tourism projects.
The Ministry of Tourism has now revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0  in order to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in the country with tourist and destination centric approach. The guidelines for Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme has been issued to all the States/Union Territory Administrations including Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu however no destination for development has been identified under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. The Ministry of Tourism has already sanctioned 2 projects in Maharashtra and 1 project in Tamil Nadu under Swadesh Darshan scheme.
As per the information given by the States Governments/Union Territory Administrations, out of the total 76 sanctioned projects, 50 projects are now physically complete. The Ministry of Tourism is not maintaining the data in respect of the total number of tourists participating in each circuit.
This information was given by Minister of Tourism Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar felicitates 200 tribal women who successfully completed their training under the Grameen Udyami Program in Jharkhand
Skills are an important part of New India’s future growth: MoS Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar
Key Highlights:
- Over 200 tribal women who had completed their skills training under Phase 3 of the Project, were awarded their certificates
Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar today termed skilling as a gateway to opportunity and the Government’s endeavor has been to ensure skill opportunities for all in every remote corner of the country while addressing the felicitation programme of the Grameen Udyami Project held at Gumla.
Shri Chandrasekhar said that the skills are an important part of New India’s future growth. Our effort has been to provide skilling, keeping in mind the local opportunities and resources available. This will go a long way in reducing migration to cities and also uplift of the local economy, he added.
He emphasized that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat  travels through Atmanirbhar villages and Atmanirbhar Panchayats, and said Atmanirbharta is not possible without the contribution of our tribals .
Over 200 tribal women who had completed their skills training under Phase 3 of the Project, were awarded their certificates at the programme. Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda and Shri Sameer Oran, Member of Rajya Sabha were also present on the occasion.
Shri Chandrasekhar later met a group of Fellows working under the Mahatma Gandhi Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship  scheme from Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu and shared with them Prime Minister Modi’s vision about skilling. He said the District Skill Development Plans must focus on creating opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurships for the uplift of the local economy and reflect the vision of Naya Bharat, Naye Avsar, Nayi Sammriddhi.
Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar had arrived in Ranchi earlier today and visited the holy Manokamna Siddhi Durga Mandir in Lohardaga. He also paid homage at the memorial of Shaheed Devnarayan Bhagatof the Jharkhand police who was martyred fighting against the Naxalites in 2012.
Ministry of Defence
IAF CONDUCTS CAPSTONE SEMINAR FOR THE SECOND ‘WARFARE & AEROSPACE STRATEGY PROGRAM’
The Indian Air Force today conducted a Capstone Seminar at the Air Force Auditorium, New Delhi, marking the culmination of the No. 2 Warfare & Aerospace Strategy Program . The seminar was conducted under the aegis of the College of Air Warfare and Centre for Air Power Studies.
WASP is a strategic education programme of 15 weeks duration which was started in 2022 and is structured to provide the participants with a deep understanding of strategy. The broader aim is to nurture critical thinkers who can blend cross-domain knowledge to generate policy-driving ideas at the strategic level. For the No 2 WASP, eight officers underwent intensive training in the fields of Strategy, Military History, Civil-Military relations, Higher Defence Organisation, Aerospace Power, Information Warfare, Technology and Hybrid Warfare.
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff , delivered the keynote address of the Seminar which was attended by senior officers from all three services, Defence Attaches, senior bureaucrats, aerospace power scholars, academia and established defence correspondents. He stated that the endeavour of programmes such as the WASP is to prepare future military leaders in the cerebral domain by promoting the habit of reading. The knowledge thus gained must lead them to the question of ‘How to think’, rather than ‘What to think’. It is this self-learning that will equip tomorrow’s leaders to think creatively to continuously evolve strategy as the strategic environment changes around them.
The CAS stated that human capital will always be supreme and should therefore be nurtured. Emerging technologies would however remain symbiotic with human intellect, thereby necessitating the need to absorb and adapt with it continuously. He added that he was glad to note the performance of the officers who had undergone the WASP last year. He said that he was looking forward to the current graduates and those following them, filling key posts in the Indian Air Force.
Finally, the CAS complimented the mentors who had guided the student officers through the programme and expressed a desire that they continue with the same zeal in the forthcoming editions of the WASP.
In the first session of the Seminar, the participants presented their papers on the topic of 'India and the Emerging New World Order: Future role of IAF towards India's Regional and Global Aspirations'. This was followed by the second session, which saw them discussing 'Advantages of Application of Airpower towards an integrated Indian Continental & Maritime Approach'.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Prayers and care make infant Sukhdeep Singh Corona Warrior
He was just 20 days old when detected Corona positive. And it took him ten days to become Corona Warrior. The prayers of his parents and selfless service and expertise of the doctor and nursing staff carefully nursed him out of the deadly virus.
Smiles were all around when infant Sukhdeep Singh, probably the youngest winner in the state, was discharged from Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences , Jalandhar, yesterday, after passing through all the medical tests including RT-PCR.
“Our happiness of having our baby was short lived. We were shocked to know that our child has been detected Corona positive”, said Gurdeep Singh, his father, as both the parents were negative. Hailing from Kapurthala and having a humble background, he said it seems God has heard our prayers that he has recovered with the care and medical services provided by the hospital. Mother Sandeep Kaur’s happiness had no bounds as she cradled him back in the lap with twinkle in her eyes.
Grandmother Kulwinder Kaur was jubilant. “Waheguru di mehar hoi jo mera pauta theek ho ke ghar wapis aa gya. Doctoran ne usda bahut khayal rakheya”, she said. 
The nursing staff looking after the infant was also upbeat. “We looked after the child with utmost care. It was hard to see an infant passing through all the pain”, said a staff nurse Ruby who was amongst the team. She said the child was spoon milked as his mother was not allowed to feed him because of the obvious reasons.
Dr Jatinder Singh, Pediatric in PIMS under whose supervision the child recovered said that the boy was admitted with high fever and seizures. His case was very challenging for us. All the more challenging was to counsel his parents. But they understood the gravity of the case and fully cooperated to treat the child. “In this second phase of the virus, all need to be protected against and must follow all the instructions given by the government to save ourselves as well as the society”, cautioned Dr. Singh.